Allan & Pamela, October 22, 2016

I firmly believe people are brought into your life for a reason… & when I met Pam & Allan almost a year prior to their big day, I had no idea the impact photographing their Wedding would have on me after experiencing something so personally devastating one year later.

Not only did they get married at a venue I have been wanting to shoot at for a few years now, but they are the kind of people I needed to surround myself with at that point in my life. They were uplifting, genuine & SO. MUCH. FUN… & they were accompanied by all their loved ones with the same vibes. I needed them & I so needed this day!

I spent the night in Didsbury with my sister before I drove up that morning to the very sought after Willlow Lane barn. After admiring this venue for quite some time… driving up & seeing it come into my view – I got all the feels! I was SO excited! We decided to arrive before everyone else to get started on photographing details! The barn had Pam & Allan’s special touches felt all over, from the speciality drinks at the bar, to the amazing decor she incorporated from both cultures… I was in heaven.

Pamela arrived with her family & immediately ran upstairs to the dressing area to get herself in her first dress! Her family gathered around, buttoning, fixing, fluffing while Aunty Gene sat & gazed on smiling. We did family photos before the ceremony, which pumped everyone up & broke the ice before the I do’s! They were married outside in front of the corn field with 110 of their loved ones watching. They said their vows, their prayers & sealed the deal with the tying of God’s Knot, & then of course a very steamy sweet kiss! We did some more family photos outside in front of the barn with the entire crew before we headed into the trees for bridals. This venue is gorgeous inside & out, & I had a ball using every little piece of it.

Pam slipped into her second dress which had a very tribal twist, in honour of her new hubby & new family! The colours were exquisite & really set the tone of the reception, along with other incredibly beautiful tribal dresses & garments worn by their guests. Both sets of parents made wonderful speeches, beautifully vocalized congratulating the happy couple & inviting their families up for some hugs. I have never seen two families become one with such love & grace.. & I was so happy to capture it! The dancing started & we were all surprised with a traditional dance by Allan & his family! It was the perfect way to end the night with everyone up out of their seats!

Thank you both so much for entrusting me with such a huge event. Even though I hid what was going on with me personally, being there to capture your day brought my life so much joy without you even knowing it. The day was magical & you made me fall in love with this job even more than I thought I could. A dream Wedding, & thank you for inviting me to share it with you.

Venue: Willow Lane Barn

Wedding Dress: Novia Mia, Red Deer

Bridesmaid Dress: Novia Mia, Red Deer

Makeup Artist: Worx Salon + Spa

Hair Stylist: Tammy Sutter at Chatters

Florals: Ria Holgerson with Willow Lane Barn

Men’s Suits: Black Knight Tuxedos

Cake: Sweet Art by Nicole

Catering: Rajapaksa Catering

DJ: Hype Entertainment

First Dance: You & I by John Legend

Second Shooter: Raelene Schulmeister Photography